Machine for making snap fasteners



H. S; N'ORMAND. MACHINE FQR MAKING SNAP FASTENERS.

.APPLICATION FILED DEC. a 1916.

1,429,088. 4 iratentedsept- 12,1922v 2 sums-sum 1.

//7 yew/0r H. S. NOR-MAND.

MACHINE ron MAKING SNAP FASTENERS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC 8.1916. I 1,429,088, PatentedSept. 12, 1922.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

Patented Sept. 12, I922.

arren stares mates rarest. orir csgf AIJIEBICAN FAfiTE NER COMPANIES, INC, OF

015 NEW YORK.

NEW YQRK,'N. Y., A CORPORATION MACHINE: FOR MAKING SNAP FASTENERS.

Application filed December 8, 1916. Serial No. 135,744.

To all whom it may concern: 9 7

Be it known that I, HENRY S. NoRMANo, a citizen of the United States, residing at Waterbury, county of New Haven and State of Connecticut, have invented an Improve ment in Machines for Making Snap Fasten ers, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like characterson the draw- 10 ings representing like parts. i

' The invention to be hereinafter described relates to, machines for making snap fasteners, and more particularly to machines for making that part of such fasteners that is to contain a spring for yieldingly engaging the head or projectionof the other member of the fastener; 1

In order that such part of the fastener may be economically produced, it is desirable that the metal strip in which a series of such members are formed in succession, shall be subjected to the action of a series of dies which progressively act upon the strip to form the bulges or cups the strip is moved longitudinally. Inasmuch as the dies actin succession to form the bulge or cup, it is essential that the metal strip shall be guided and fed the proper distance on each feed movement to place the bulge or cup portion in correct relation to the succeeding dies, and it is important also that when the-metal strip has been given a feed movement that it shall be held or locked in position during the operation of the die.

vention, therefore, consists of a series of dies which progressively act to form bulges, or cups,'and feeding means which operates directly and positively upon the metal strip 4 o to effect the correct feed movement each time and insure that the bulge or cup partially formed by a previously acting die shall be in proper position for. the operation of thenext die of the series.

Another important feature of the invention consists of a clamp which acts upon the metal strip and holds it during the action of the dies.

These features ofthe invention are in the present instance effected by means of a pawl which directly engages the metal strip, and 7 preferably at one side of the bulge or cup lon 'ltudinall of the strl) and then is lVGIl a movement in tne d rection of feed equal An important feature of the present into the distance between'the bulges or cups. A gu de is preferably employed to guidethe metal strlp between the dies, and in order that the metal strip may not bend or yield in a direction away from the pawl as the latter starts to move the metal strip in the direction of feed, the metal strip is supported opposite the pawl. This support may be variously formed, but in the present instance it comprisesan extension of the guide fordirecting the metal strip through the mag chine.

the slots to be out in the sides of thebulges or cups will differ according the thesize ofspring, the size of the snap fasteners, characterof the spring, and other considerations. Therefore, another important feature of the invention consists of, saws placed beyond the dies and feeding means and relatively ad.-

justableto'vary the depth and length of cut or slot formed by them in the bulges or cups. Another important feature in connection with'the saws, consistsin a guide atone side or face of thesaws and between which and the face .of thesaws the flat partofthemetal strippasses while the bulges orcups extend between the cutting edges of the saws.

- The above and other featuresof'the'invention will be hereinafter-described in connection with the accompanying drawings, whichillustrate .onejgood, practical form of the invention, and the several features of the invention willthen be clearly defined by the claims.

In the drawings Figure 1. is ;a side elevation of a machine embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 18311 enlarged detail; in side ele-i vation and part section-to; show the series of opposed dies, the guide forthe metal strip, and the pawl and holder or clamp;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan View of the saws or cutters slotting the sides of the bulges or cups' 1 I 4 is section on the line 4-4 Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail in end elevation showing the clamps for holding the metal strip;

Fig. 6 is a plan View of a metal strip having the bulges or cups formed therein; and

Fig. 7 is a section on the line 77, Fig. 6.

The machine frame may be of any appropriate character suitable for sustaining the operating parts, and as shown, comprises in the present instance, the uprights or legs 1 to which is secured in any suitable manner the bed plate 2, as by the bolts 3. Rising from'the bed plate 2 are the uprights or stands 4, at the upper portion oi which is mounted the shaft 5 in suitable bearings secured. tothe stands 4. The shaft 5 may be rotated by any suitable means, such, for instance, as the wheel 6 about which passes a belt 7 operated from a proper source of power. lhe wheel 6 may either be secured to the shaft 0 or detachably clutched there to, as sual in this general type of machine, but since these features form no part of the present invention, and are well understood by those skilled in the art, they not illustrated and need no further elucidation.

Mounted for sliding movement in the stands 4 is the slide 8, actuated by a suitable cam or crank on the shaft 5, as usual, the construction being such that as the shaft 5 is rotated, the slide 8 will be raised and lowered. The details of this feature are not illustrated, because they are well understood by those skilled in the art and form no es sential part of the present invention.

The slide 8 carries a series of dies and in opposed relation thereto is another series oi"; dies, each one of the opposed dies 01 the series acting progressively upon the metal strip to form therein the desired character of bulge or cup, as will more fully appear. In the present instance of the invention the slide 8 has secured thereto a die carrier 9 to which the series of upper dies are secured. The upper dies, which are best shown in Fig. 2, are preferably made separate and secured to the die carrier 9 by suitable means such as the screws 10. Each of the dies of the upper series comprises a sleeve .11 in which is secured by suitable means such as the set screw 12, a plunger 18 having projecting below its lower end the die 14. The remaining dies of the upper series are similarly constructed, except that the shape of the die itself: is gradually varied from one end of the series to the other so that each of the successive dies shall act upon the metal strip to gradually shape the bulge or cup into its final form. The numher of dies in the series may, of course, be varied, but in the present instance, six are illustrated, and are usually suiiicient to accomplish the ends in view.

latlOlUltBCl upon the bed plate 2 is the die block 15 which may be secured to the bed plate by appropriate meai s such as the bolts .16. Rising from the die block 15 are the lower dies which correspond in number to the upper dies, and .in the present instance of the invention, are six in number. These /0 lower dies may be appropriately secured to the die block 15 by the bolts 17 and flanges 18, and held in opposed relation to the upper dies. Each of the lower dies comprises a sleeve 19 having a recess therein for a block 20 through which passes a small plunger 21, the lower end of the plunger being seated upon a suitable spring 22, the construction being such that when the metal strip a is forced downward by one of the upper dies as 230 is, Fig. 2, the metal strip will be forced downwardly and cause the plunger 21 to be lowered against the action of the spring 22, and when the upper die moves away from the lower member, the plunger 2.1 will force 35 the metal strip upwardly so as to disengage the bulge or cup from the recess in the blocl-z 21. This enables the metal strip a to be properly ied longitudinally after each action of the (lies, ill more fully appear. so

Extending between the opposed dies is a guide which as a whole, is indicated at 253. This guide consists of a metal trough-like structure secured preferably above the lower dies and oi a suiticient width to provide for es the passage longitudinally thereof 01' the u 21. strip a. 'lhe upper wall of the guide 325 is provided with a series 01'' peri'orations through which the upper dies may pass in trcating the metal strip, the construction on in mg such that while the guide 22- main tains the metal strip in its correct lateral position relative to the upper and lower die members, the metal strip may move towards and from either of the dies so that when the upper dies have acted upon the metal strip and 'lormed bulges or cups'therein. which are forced downwardly into the lower dies. the metal strip may be forced upwardly to d sengage the bulges or cups from the lower 1; die members by the springs 22 in the lower dies, thereby permitting longitudinal feed movement of the metal strip.

In order that the bulges or cups may properly formed in the metal strip, and that 5 each may be successively treated by the se ries of dies to bring the bulge or cup to its final form, it is necessary that the metal strip a be properly ted after each die movenentto present the cup treated by a preced- 7 :0 ing die in proper position for treatment by a. succeeding die. To this end, the present 111- vention contemplates feeding in the metal strip by means which engage the bulges or cups formed therein and to move tlie nietal 1:1; strip by such means a distance equal to the distance between two of the bulges or nienibers. A suitable means to this end illustrated most clearly in Fig. 2, wherein t die block 15 has guidevi'ay in which is longitudinally movable a pawl carrier. 26

having an upturned end portion 27 to which is pivotally mounted at 28, a feed pawl 29, the end 30 of which is adapted to engage the bulges or cups, as indicated in Fig. 2, and by movement of the pawl carrier and the pawl in a direction longitudinally of the metal strip a when thus engaged by a cup or bulge, to positively feed the metal strip the required distance to bring the bulges or cups being treated by the dies in succession to their appropriate dies. The pawl 29 is normally under the influence of a spring 31, whereby it is held in contact with the metal strip as the pawl carrier 26 is moved longitudinally in either direction.

In order to prevent the metal strip a from bending or being deflected by the pawl 29 as it presses against the face of the strip or engages the bulges or cups 32 to feed the metal strip longitudinally, the latter is supported in opposition to the pressure of the pawl so that it cannot be bent or deflected. This support for the metal strip may be variously formed, but in the present instance of the invention, the guide 23 is extended beyond the series of dies as at 33, Fig. 2, and at this point it is preferably not provided with perforations such as are formed in the guide 23 for the passage of the dies, the construction being such that as the pawl 29 is moved back and forth in engagement with the metal strip, the latter is prevented from being deflected by the pawl, and the pawl is enabled to positively engage against the side portions of the bulges or cups 32 and push thereagainst, to move such strip a longitudi nally the required distance of one feed move ment.

The pawl carrier and pawl may be suitably actuated in the manner described, as for instance, by means of an arm 34 pivotally mounted at 35, Fig. 1, to the stands 4t and having a pin and slot connection 36 at its lower end with the pawl carrier 26. The upper end of the arm 34: carries a pin or roller 37 which travels upon the periphery of the cam 38, and a spring 39 acting upon the lower portion of the arm 34:, holds the pin or roller 37 normally against the cam, the construction being such that as the shaft 5 rotates and carries with it its attached cam 38, the arm 34 will be moved to reciprocate the pawl carrier and pawl the required distance of a feed movement.

When the feed pawl moves on its nonfeeding stroke it is desirable that the metal strip a be held from movement with the pawl and also permit thefp'awl to slip over the next bulge or cup 32 to be engaged by it. The present invention, therefore, contemplates a clamp located beyond the feed pawl for clamping or holding the metal. strip when the feed pawl is making its nonfeeding stroke.

the plate 40 as indicated in Fig. 5, preferably by being screw-threadedthereto as at I the support 33 by means of the springs 43 interposed between the heads at of the pins .41 and the support 33. ln order that the clamp shall not interfere with the proper feed movement of the metal strip by engaging the bulges or cups as the metal strip is fed through the clamp, the plate 40 is provided with a passageway. 4L5 of sufficient dimensions to permit the passage of the bulges or cups 32 therethrough. The side portions of the metal strip a, however, are held between the lower surface of the sup port 33 and the top surface of the plate 40, the construction being such that the plate 40 under the action of the springs 43, will maintain the metal strip a from movement as the pawl carrier and pawl move on the nonfeeding stroke, and will permit the metal strip to pass longitudinally in. its feeding stroke under the action of the pawl. Of course, the clamp may be otherwise formed and instead of being secured to the extension or support, 33 of the guide 23, it may be formed or supported separately therefrom, but the construction described is a good, practical form of this feature of the invention. This clamping device serves both to prevent the retreat of the metal strip on the non-feeding stroke of the pawl, and to hold the strip in proper relationship to the cutting saws 51, described below/ ,As the dies form the bulges'or cups 32, it is desirable that the metal strip be perforated as at 46, Fig. 6, to provide means for securing the completed member of the snap fastener to the clothing. This perforating 4:2. The plate 4E0 is held yieldingly against may be done at the same time that the cups tener. As a meansto this end, the present invention provides a pair of saws, and in order that these saws may form a cut of proper dimensions or may be assoclated to accommodatethe bulges 01' cups of varying sizes, the saws are. adjustable towards and from each other, as Wlll presently appear.

Secured to the base plate 2, as by means of the bolt 41-7, Fig. 1, is a bracket 48, in which are mounted the bearings 49 for supporting the saw-operating shafts 50, to the upper end portions of which are secured the saws 51. Extending transversely of the bearings 49 for the saws, are plates 52 which are secured at their ends as by screws 53 to the bracket a8. Passing loosely through each of the plates 52 is an adjusting screw 54: which is threaded into the bearing 49 of each of the saws. Threaded into the plates 52, each with its end bearing against the surface of the bearing 49 of each saw, are adjusting screws 55, the construction being such that by loosening the screws 54: and tightening up the screws 55, the saws may be adjusted towards each other in their own plane and then by tightening the screws, may be held in adjusted position. Likewise, by loosening the screws 55 and tightening up the screws Set, the saws may be adjusted from each other in their own plane in accordance with the requirements of the work. The described adjusting means for the saws constitutes good, practical form of the invention, but obviously, the invention is not circumscribed by the details.

The lower ends of the saw shafts 50 are each provided with a gear 56 whereby they are rotated in unison, and one of the saw shafts 50 is provided with a belt pulley 5 7 which may be driven by a suitable belt 58 leading to any desired source of power. From the construction described, it will be apparent that while the saws may cut the desired slots 59, Fig. 7, in the sides of the bulges or cups 32, they may be adjusted towards or from each other to vary the character of cut or to accommodate them to varying sizes of bulges or cups formed in the metal strip.

In order that. the bulges or cups in the metal strip may be properly presented to the action of the saws, there is provided in the present instance of the invention, a guide (59 extending between the saws and overlapping the surface or faces of the saws as indicated in d, the construction being such that the bulges or cups extending from the metal strip a will project between the cutting edges of the saws while the flanges of the metal strip at each side of the bulges or cups will be held between the lower surface of the guide 60 and the top surface of the saws.

What is claimed is 1. In a machine of the character described, the combination of an upper series of dies and a lower series of dies for forming bulges or cups in a metal strip, a guide for the metal strip secured in fixed position between and extended beyond the series of dies, a yielding clamp secured to the guide beyond the series of dies, a feed pawl between the series of dies and clamp for engaging the bulges or cups formed in the metal strip by the dies, and means for reci n'ocating the pawl between the series of dies and clamp to feed the metal strip after the operation of the dies.

2. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a series of upper and lower dies, a guide for a metal strip extending between and beyond the series of dies, said guide having a perforated portion between the dies and a non-perforated portion beyond the dies, a feed pawl opposite the non-perforated portion of the guide for en gaging the bulges or cups formed in the metal strip by the dies, and means for operating the pawl to cause it to feed the metal strip longitudinally.

In a machine of the character described, the combination of a series of upper and lower dies, a guide for a metal strip extend ing between and beyond the series of dies, said guide having a perforated portion hetween the dies and a non-perforated portion beyond the dies, a feed pawl opposite the non-perforated portion of the guide for engaging the bulges or cups formed in the metal strip by the dies, means for operating the pawl to cause it to feed the metal strip longitudinally, and a clamp for holding the metal strip after each feed movement.

l. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a series of opposed dies for forming bulges or cups in succession in a metal strip, a guide for the metal strip having a portion extended beyond the series of dies, :1 yielding device carried by the extended portion of the guide to yieldin ly engage and hold the metal strip, and a feed pawl for engaging the metal strip between the series of dies and yielding device for feeding the metal strip longitudinally.

5. In a machine of the character described, a series of opposed dies for forming bulges or cups in succession longitudinally of a metal strip, a guide for the metal strip extended beyond the series of dies, at yielding plate connected to the (intended portion of the guide and between which and the guide the metal strip is passed, a pawl for engaging the metal. strip between the series of dies and yielding plate, and means for causing the pawl to feed the metal strip longitudinally between the guide and metal plate.

6. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a series of opposed dies for forming bulges or cups in succession in a metal strip, a clamp to r holding the metal strip beyond the dies, a feed pawl between the dies and clamp for engaging the bulges or cups formed in the metal strip, and means for operating the pawl to cause it to feed the metal strip longitudi nally.

7.111 a machine of the character described, the goinbination of a series of opposed dies for forming bulges or cups in succession in a metal strip, a clamp for holding the metal strip beyond the dies, a feed pawl between the dies and clamp for engaging the bulges or cups formed in the metal strip, a guide or support for the metal strip for holding it in position for engagement by the pawl between the dies and clamp, and means for operating the pawl to cause it to feed the metal strip longitudinally.

8. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a series of opposed dies for forming bulges or cups in succession in a metal strip, a clamp for bolding the metal strip beyond the dies, a feed pawl., between the dies and clamp for engaging the bulges or cups formed in the 10. In a machine for making parts of snap fasteners, a series of dies for forming bulges or cups in a metal strip in succession, a pair of saws for slotting the bulges or cups, and a guide at one side or face of the saws be tween which and the face of the saws the metal strip is passed with the bulges or cups extending between the cutting edges of the saws.

11. In a machine of the character described, the combination of opposed dies. for forming a series of bulges or cups in a metal strip, a guide for the metal strip located between the dies, and means co-operat'ing with one of said dies tending to press the strip up against said guide and prevent hindrance from the bulges or cupsto the advance of said strip during the feed stroke of the reciprocating pawl.

In testimony whereof, name to this specification.

HENRY S. NORMAND.

I have signed my 

